Honor Code and Professionalism Oath

All Students are bound by the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities given in the General Information Catalog. Regulations and procedures regarding student discipline and conduct are set forth in Chapter 11 of the Institutional Rules. All students are bound by the University Honor Code; law school students are also bound by the Professionalism Oath and Honor Code.

Professionalism Oath

As I begin the study of law, I recognize the inherent privileges and responsibilities that accompany my entrance into the legal profession. As a member of the University of Texas School of Law community, I will abide by the Honor Code and will conduct my academic, professional and personal life to honor and uphold the principles of justice, integrity, respect and civility.

Honor Code

The study of law is an integral part of the legal profession. Students engaged in legal studies should learn the proper ethical standards as part of their education. All members of the legal profession recognize the need to maintain a high level of professional competence and integrity. A student at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law is expected to adhere to the highest standard of personal integrity. Each student is expected to compete honestly and fairly with his or her peers. All law students are harmed by unethical behavior by any student. A student who deals dishonestly with fellow law students may be dishonest in the future and harm both future clients and the legal profession. Under the honor system, the students must not tolerate unethical behavior by their fellow students. A student who knows of unethical behavior of another student is under an obligation to take the steps necessary to expose this behavior. Students in the University of Texas at Austin School of Law are governed by the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities. Students may be subject to discipline for cheating, plagiarism, and misrepresentations.

It is, for example, a violation of the Honor Code to use any materials prohibited by the instructor on an exam, to communicate with anyone regarding the contents of the exam while taking the exam, and to share exam questions or to discuss an exam with a student who has not yet taken it.

Students have an ongoing duty to disclose to the School of Law any charges of, or guilty pleas or no contest pleas to, any violation of the criminal laws, other than a minor traffic violation. Failure to disclose such events in a timely manner is a violation of the Honor Code and is subject to discipline.